Football game device



8, 1956 J. M. TULLIO 2,760,776

FOOTBALL GAME DEVICE Filed March 20, 1.953

2% 24 2a k/ 141 M ATTORNEY United States Patent FOOTBALL GAME DEVICEJohn M. Tullio, Akron, Ohio Application March 20, 1953, Serial No.343,604

Claims. (Cl. 273-94) This invention relates to football game devices andin particular relates to an improvement over the form of football gamedevice shown and described in United States Patent 2,600,940, issued onJune 17, 1952.

While the above prior art device provided a new and novel form offootball game simulating, to a certain extent, the actual playingconditions of an actual football game, many playing conditions normallyencountered in a football game were incapable of being simulated in theplaying of a game with the said device. For example, it was impossibleto employ any forward passing maneuvers, and also it was impossible toattempt a field goal under the conditions present on the prior artgameboard. Further disadvantage was found in the limited amount of skillthat was permitted with respect to the placement of the offensive anddefensive playing figures, and also 1 in the fact that the angulardirection of catapulted motion was not capable of variation andaccordingly the outcome of a scrimmage play was more dependent on chancerather than the exercise of skill to exploit an apparent defenseweakness. 7

Further disadvantage may be found in the fact that the prior art failedto introduce the proper element of actuality into the game, inasmuch asno provision was made for fumbles.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a footballgame device capable of simulation of all actual playing conditions.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a football gamedevice capable of simulating such offensive maneuvers as forward passingand place kicking for field goals.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a footballgame device wherein the outcome will be predicated upon skill ratherthan chance.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent upona reading of the following specification, considered in the light of theaccompanying drawings.

Of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective drawing of the improved game, indicating amongother things the scrimmage area.

Figure 2 is a side elevation showing the improved ramp provided on thecatapult platform.

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-section showing the mounting of thecatapult with respect to the game board.

Figure 4 is a front elevation of a miniature, defensive lineman playingfigure.

Figure 5 is a front elevation of a miniature defense back playingfigure.

Figures 6 and 7 are front and side. elevations, respectively, of aminiature offensive playing figure.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, thereof,the game board is shown including a bottom or floor member 10, whichserves as the actual playing field. An upright frame or border ,11erected along all four sides of the bottom serves as a fence to confinethe movable objects in play and to support auxiliary or scoring elementsto be later described.

A catapult shown generally at 12 is slidable through an opening in oneend section of the fence 11 and comprises a rod 13 on the inner end ofwhich is mounted a platform 14 fastened as by a nut 15. At the openingprovided in the fence for passage of the rod 13 therethrough, there isprovided an aperturcd block 16, surrounding the rod 13 to permitreciprocal movement with respect thereto. Lugs 17, 17, provided onopposed faces of the block 16, are receivable within appropriateapertures 18, 18, provided in the frame 11, to permit movement of saidrod 13 and block 16 with respect thereto. Suitable anchoring means maybe provided on the block 16 and handle 19 for anchoring a helical spring20 therebetween, the arrangement being such that when the handle 19 isdrawn outwardly from the frame 11, the spring 20 will urge return of thesame to the position shown in Figure 1.

To the end of releasably accommodating selected playing figures thereon,the platform 14 is shown including a base 21, formed integrally at rightangles with a mounting plate 22. A plurality of struck tabs 23, 23,serve as locators for the positioning of the playing figures in a mannerto be described. Adjacent the central area of the base 21, there isshown an inclined ramp 24, pointed in the direction of stroke of the rodand having rear and side tabs 25, 25a, respectively, provided thereonfor reception of a miniature football 33, or other article to becatapulted therefrom in accordance with the playing rules of the game.

On the floor 10 is scribed a rectangle stepped off in equally spacedparallel grid lines 26 in general simulation of a playing field. Thefield, however, and the grid lines do not have the same significance asin the full-scale game, but represent the locale of action for eachindividual scrimmage. Each grid line represents one yard and they willbe provided in such number that the farthest line from the line ofscrimmage will represent by its number the maximum yardage to beexpected from a scrimmage play. Such number is of course arbitrary andits variation has to do only with the matter of the ease or difiicultyof scoring, the absolute advance of the ball in the scrim mage areabeing determined by the physical characteristics of the variouscomponents of the game device. The figures indicating the value of theyardage attained from scrimmage are shown in Figure 1 immediatelyadjacent the grid lines and are designated by the arrow and the numeral30. These lines are numbered from 0 to 15 and from 0 to 2, the zero linebeing the starting line of scrimmage for each play.

The remaining required yardage from scrimmage in the four or less downsavailable may be indicated by placing a suitable marker adjacent theproper one of a series of consecutive numbers imprinted on a strip 27fastened to one long side of the border 11. A very convenient marker isshown as a cube 28 bearing on various of its faces, the numerals l to 4.An ordinary die of proper size will sufiice for this purpose. Thus, notonly is the marker a means for indicating the required yardage, but alsofor advising as to the number of the down.

The progress of the game as a whole is indicated by a marking strip 29carried by the frame 11 on the opposite side of the playing field fromthe strip 27. Strip 29 has evenly spaced graduations to represent yardintervals and are numbered at the 10-yard intervals as in a regularplaying field, with the O-yard line at each end, and the numbersincreasing inwardly from each end up to a single 50-yard line at themiddle. A marker 31 preferably in the general semblance of a football ismoved by the players or referee to record its exact position at anygiven time as determined by the results of the various plays.

Also provided on the face of the game board may be a plurality ofcircular depressions 49, 44) provided at selected positions on the boardfor reception therein of the football 33 when the same is properlycatapulted from the inclined ramp 24. A second set of circulardepressions 41, 41, of distinct characteristics is provided adjacent thedepressions 4G, 40, for similar reception therein of the football fromthe inclined ramp 24, the arrangement being such that reception withinone set of depressions (40, 49) indicates a completed forward pass whilereception within the other set of depressions (d1, 41) indicates thatthe pass has been intercepted; It is manifest that the degree of skillinvolved could be somewhat increased in this regard by substitutingmovable passing rings (not shown) which could be selectively positionedby both the offensive and defensive players of the game.

For the purpose of permitting field goal attempts, the board 10 is alsoprovided with a second set of indicia having grid lines 50, spaced inparallel relationship to the lines 26 and being defined by a series ofholes 51, 51, whereby the upright cross-bar member 52 may be selectivelypositioned at any grid line 50 depending upon the yardage to theopponents goal line as determined by previous scrimmages. Because thegrid lines 50 are used only with regard to offensive plays which involvepassing and kicking maneuvers, the yardage designations represented bythe grid lines 50 are different and independent of the yardagedesignations represented by the grid lines 26, although as before thesame are arbitrary and may be varied to ease or increase the difficultyof scoring.

To introduce a certain element of realism into the game, the board 10 isalso shown as including one or more shaded areas 70, 70, positioned inrelatively obscure portions of the game board 10, and designatingpenalty areas to penalize a team whose player comes to rest within saidareas.

The playing figures employed in the performance of the game are shown,for the purposes of illustration, as comprising three distinct sizes,and shapes, to indicate a defensive lineman 60, a defensive back or end61, and an offensive ball carrier 62. With regard to the defensiveplayers 60 and 61, the same are indicated as being of different weightand height, whereby the person placing the defensive playing figures canposition the heavier and taller defensive linemen in the defensiveposition where he feels an offensive thrust is most likely to occur,much in the same manner a coach positions his defensive players againstan anticipated offensive thrust. To the end of simulating the actualgame conditions involving a ball carrier, at least one offensive player62 is shown being provided with a cut-out pocket 63, for frictionalreception therein of the football 33, the frictional fit of the footballtherein introducing a certain element of skill into the game inasmuch asa fumble will result if the football is improperly secured within thepocket 63.

Procedure The opposing players will vie for kick-ofi as by flipping acoin. The defense then aligns his eleven men behind the scrimmage linein any desired grouping designed to block the kicked ball which iscatapulted from the inclined ramp 24 upon release of the catapultmechanism 12 as previously described. Because the kick-off involves akicking maneuver, the distance of travel of the football is measuredalong the indicia 50, and the marker 31 will be positioned on the strip29 according to the distance the kick travelled. For example, if thekickoff stopped on the 40 yard indicia, the marker 31 would be placed onthe yard marker of strip 29. (See Figure 1.)

At this point the respective offensive and defense players may bealigned in position for scrimmage. In one manner of playing the game,the player maneuvering the ofiensive team, positions three of the fouroffensive playing figures 62 normally employed on the platform 14. Thedefensive player then aligns his defensive players to attempt to stop anoffensive thrust at an expected point. At this point, the defensiveplayer does not know Whether or not the offensive maneuver will be aground thrust, or an attempted pass and accordingly, the defensiveplayers must be aligned to provide some measure of protection againstboth contingencies.

With the defensive players thus aligned the offensive player thenselects whether he will pass or run the ball, the choice to be indicatedby virtue of placement of the ball for the ensuing scrimmage.

In the event of a pass play, the ball is placed in the inclined ramp 24,directed towards one of the circular depressions 40, and released. If,after the general intermingling that follows, the ball 33 has come torest fully Within the depression 40, it indicates a completed forwardpass, the length of which is determined by the indicia 5t). If, however,the ball comes to rest within a depression 41, it indicates that thepass has been intercepted and downed by the defensive team at a pointdetermined by the indicia 50. Possession then changes and the marker 31is moved accordingly.

In the event the offensive player desires to attempt a running play,this choice is indicated by placement of the ball 33 within the pocket63 of the offensive player 62, together with subsequent placement ofplaying figure 62 (with ball 33) against tab 23 on base 21. With theball carrier thus positioned, the catapult may be pointed and released,and after the resultant intermingling, the gain or loss may bedetermined from the resting place of the ball carrier with respect tothe indicia 26. During a scrimmage involving a running play, it ismanifest that the ball 33 may become dislodged from within the pocket 63by virtue of contact with defensive players, especially if the ball 33was carelessly placed within the pocket 63 by the offensive player.Possession of this fumble may then be determined by a flip of a coin.

To punt the ball, the same is placed on the ramp 24 and catapulted downthe field to obtain the maximum yardage as determined by the indicia 50.Field goals are attempted in much the same manner with the ball 33 beingplaced in ramp 24, for subsequent catapulting down field. However, inthe case of a field goal attempt, the upright cross-bar member 52 ispositioned in the holes 51, 51 at a distance indicated by the indicia 50to represent the distance from the scrimmage line to the opponents goalline. Successful completion of a field goal is of course indicated bypassage of the catapulted ball through the upright crossbars.

During the foregoing maneuvers described above, fur- :ther realism isintroduced into the game by virtue of the penalty areas, 70, 70 providedon the board. A player coming to rest in a penalty area as a result ofthe scrimmage incurs a penalty for his team, and, as under actual gameconditions, the same may be refused or accepted according to theadvantage gained.

It will be seen from the foregoing that a new and novel form of footballgame has been provided wherein there is supplied a heretoforeunattainable degree of realism to actual game conditions. By virtue ofthe improved ramp and game board all offensive maneuvers simulatingactual game conditions are capable of skillful execution. Defensively,the improved playing figures make possible the exercise of certaindefensive maneuvers whereby heavier men may be selectively aligned topresent the best possible defensive pattern. While the game employschance, the element of chance can be minimized by the exercise of skilland knowledge of the game of football.

Modifications of the invention may be resorted to without departing fromthe spirit thereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A football game device of the character described, comprising: a gameboard having a fiat playing surface of rectangular configuration; acatapult mechanism carried by said game board adjacent on transverse endportion thereof and including a platform that is disposed insubstantially parallel relationship to said playing surface and beingmovable over said surface upon movement of said catapult; an inclinedramp secured to an exposed surface of said platform so as to be inclinedlongitudinally of said playing surface; and target means provided on theplaying surface of said game board at a longitudinally spaced distancefrom said platform, whereby an object received on said ramp may bearcuately projected longitudinally of said playing surface towards saidtarget means; said target means including a series of transversemarkings occupying a central portion of said playing surface of saidgame board and defining at their end portions apertures in said playingsurface; and an upright crossbar having its opposed leg portionsselectively positionable in said apertures defined by said transversemarkers.

2. A football game device of the character described, comprising: a gameboard having a flat playing surface of rectangular configuration; acatapult mechanism carried by said game board adjacent one transverseend portion thereof and including a platform that is disposed insubstantially parallel relationship to said playing surface and beingmovable over said surface upon movement of said catapult; an inclinedramp secured to an exposed surface of said platform so as to be inclinedlongitudinally of said playing surface; and target means provided on theplaying surface of said game board at a longitudinally spaced distancefrom said platform, whereby an object received on said ramp may bearcuately projected longitudinally of said playing surface towards saidtarget means; said target means including a series of transversemarkings, occupying a central portion of said playing surface of saidgame board and defining at their ends apertures in said playingsurfaces; an upright crossbar having its opposed leg portionsselectively positionable in said apertures of said transverse markings;said transverse markings including numerical indicia with the smallestnumerical designation being located adjacent said platform and thelargest of said numerical designations being spaced farthest from saidplatform.

3. The device of claim 1 further characterized by the fact that saidcatapult and said platform secured thereto are arcuately movable acrossthe plane of the playing surface of said game board whereby thedirection of longitudinal projection may be altered.

4. A football game device of the character described, comprising: a gameboard having a flat, rectangular surface provided with transverselyextending indicia thereon that are representative of the markings on afootball field, with one said transversely extending indicium beingrepresentative of a scrimmage line; a catapult mechanism carried by saidgame board adjacent one transverse end portion thereof and including aplatform disposed in substantially parallel relationship to said playingsurface and having the projecting transverse edge thereof normallylocated adjacent said scrimmage line; at least one vertical supportprojecting from the exposed surface of said platform; a first series ofplaying figures, capable of placement upon said surface on one side ofsaid scrimmage line that is located opposite said platform; a secondseries of playing figures, receivable against said vertical supports,whereby the same can be ejected from said platform for contact with saidfirst-named series of playing figures upon movement of said catapult; aninclined ramp having side edges defining a seat and being secured tosaid exposed surface of said platform so as to be inclinedlongitudinally of said playing surface; a game ball receivable on saidseat of said ramp; and target means provided on the playing surface ofsaid game board at a longitudinally spaced distance from said platform,whereby a game ball received on said ramp may be arcuately projectedover said first-named series of playing figures toward said target meansupon actuation of said catapult mechanism.

5. The device of claim 4 further characterized by the fact that saidfirst-named series of playing figures vary in size and weight.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,145,955 Wittstein July 13, 1915 2,007,885 Spriggs July 9, 19352,432,824 Shetler Dec. 16, 1947 2,600,940 Tullio June 17, 1952

